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Students for Social Justice and the student chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineers are teaming up to organize “Take a Stand,” a 5K run that will benefit an international program that alleviates poverty.
The race will start 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3, in front of Gilbert’s. Easton police officers will help escort runners through the streets of College Hill.
“The charity event will raise money for Heifer International and more importantly, inform students about poverty that exists in the world,” says Matt Verbyla ’06 (Unionville, Conn.), a member of both SSJ and ASME and one of several event organizers. Other organizers are mechanical engineering major Monika Serrano ’04 (Caracas, Venezuela), biology major Nick Katchen ’04, and Christine Bender ’04 (Gibsonia, Pa.), a double major in neuroscience and economics & business who recently won a scholarship for outstanding volunteer and academic work (see related story).
Students are encouraged to line up sponsors and either run or walk for five kilometers. Registration, which includes a T-shirt, is $10 for student participants and $15 for members of the community. For more information or to participate, contact Verbyla at verbyla@yahoo.com or x4739.
“Anyone can raise money even if they don’t want to be in the race,” he notes. “Local restaurants and companies have donated gift certificates that combine for a total of $250 worth of prizes to be awarded to winners of the race and students who raise the most money. Companies that have donated include Wegman’s, Jack Creek Steakhouse, Don Pablo’s, Mother’s Bar and Grill, and Campus Pizza, to name a few.”
Heifer International provides heifer animals and training in their care to hungry families around the world to help them feed themselves and become self-reliant. Children receive nutritious milk or eggs; families earn income for school, health care, and better housing; and farmers learn sustainable, environmentally sound agricultural techniques.
Students for Social Justice organized the recent Walkout for Peace and Teach-In and numerous other events this school year (see related article).